Brewery Sampling Bill Breezes through the Oklahoma Senate

April 16, 2013

HB 1341 seeks to allow licensed Oklahoma breweries to offer samples to the public

Tulsa, OK. April 16, 2013 – Oklahoma House Bill HB 1341, introduced by Representative Glen Mulready (R-Tulsa & Creek County) and Assistant Majority Floor Leader Senator Rob Johnson (R – Oklahoma & Canadian County), seeks to amend Section 521 of Title 37 to permit licensed brewers of beer in Oklahoma to provide limited free samples to the visitors to the licensed brewery premises. The measure passed the House February 26th with a 60 to 32 vote. After receiving a “Do Pass” from the Senate’s Committee on Business & Commerce, the bill was referred to the Senate floor where it received a 35-9 passing vote April 16th.

HB 1341 is pro-business and pro-tourism legislation and seeks to level the playing field among Oklahoma’s beer and wine producers in that Oklahoma wineries are permitted to offer samples on their licensed premises. “We have effectively been doing our job with one-hand beyond our backs. Few craft breweries have the traditional marketing methods available due to restrained resources,” explains Eric Marshall. “My hats are off to the people of Oklahoma for helping us to move this bill from being an idea to heading to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Without the support of craft beer fans, all Oklahoma breweries, and legislators with an open mind this bill would not have had a chance. The passion of our community has proven that with heart, you can win.”

There is no word yet when the bill could be headed to the Governor’s Desk. Likely once signed the bill will take effect in November. For the time being Oklahoma breweries will focus on implementing sampling schedules and procedures.